We all know that identical twins look alike. They’ll have the same eyes, face, lips, hair, and skin color as well as the same gender. When you’ll see twins you’ll feel as if you’re looking at a mirror image. However, do identical twins have identical DNA? Yes, their DNA matches as well rather they’re the same.
On the other hand, fraternal twins have nothing similar. You may see some family resemblance, but they don’t appear as a mirror image. Sometimes, they both can be of the same gender or different. These twins don’t share the same DNA as compared to identical twins DNA.
However, science says that Identical twins DNA changes with age. Though they’re slightly similar, they’re no longer identical as they were young. This means even if they look alike, their genes can slightly differ like fraternal twins. Still, at some point, their DNA can be helpful.
For example, during any medical condition when a twin needs bone marrow or an organ transplant, then Identical twins take DNA test to check if their genes are compatible. Sometimes it is also done by many twins due to personal curiosity. The chances of giving birth to monozygotic twins are less compared to dizygotic when two eggs generally fertilize by two spate sperms.
The best to find that do twins have the same DNA is by sending their DNA sample for lab tests. PaternityUSA is AABB accredited DNA testing lab. Their results are legally approved by all 50 states in the US. They provide 16 markers and 24 marker DNA test. They also provide home DBA kit and all types of DNA testing are affordable.
The test is very easy. A sample is taken from both twins. This sample is the saliva that contains cells. Each twin gently moves the cotton swab in their mouth and then closes it in a container. This sample is deposited in the lab and they provide results within a set timeframe. Identical twins will always have 99.99% similarity, whereas fraternal or non-identical twins will always have a 50% similarity.
As we discussed above, identical twins also differ in genes with growing age. Genes are complicated. When they interact with their surroundings and personal environment, they tend to develop their characteristics. This leads to a difference in looks, personality, and opinion.
Here are a few things that make even identical twins different –
- Monozygotic twins develop personalities and characteristics depending upon different life experiences.
- Even if identical twins have the same DNA, their epigenetic pattern may vary. This will lead to a difference in gene appearance.
- Due to environmental factors, the modification in epigenetic happens through DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling.
- The changes in genes can happen in the uterus or after birth due to environmental factors.
Thus, even if identical twins are similar in look, their personality will be different and most twins have different fingerprints due to environmental factors. Therefore, when there is any medical issue, and twins request to help each other, still doctors suggest a DNA test to determine their compatibility.